Mali football federation ends Tom Saintfiet’s tenure as national coach

The Mali national football team has concluded its collaboration with Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet, as announced by the Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) this week. The 53-year-old tactician, who took charge in August 2024, faced challenges in securing qualification for both the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Mali was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Senegal.

Femafoot recognizes Saintfiet’s contributions

In an official statement shared on social media, Mahazou Cisset, the newly elected president of Femafoot, expressed gratitude for Saintfiet’s efforts. The communiqué highlighted the coach’s “consistent dedication, exemplary professionalism, and remarkable determination” in managing the team’s challenges. It also praised his ability to “maintain group cohesion, structure technical work, and uphold the dignity of the Mali national team, the Aigles du Mali.”

Saintfiet’s departure follows a period marked by mixed results, including crucial misses in high-stakes competitions. His contract termination reflects the federation’s decision to pursue a fresh direction for the team’s development.

Search for a new head coach underway

The Malian Football Federation has initiated a recruitment process to appoint a successor. Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications by May 10, with the federation aiming to finalize the selection promptly to avoid disrupting the team’s preparations.

This transition marks a pivotal moment for Malian football, as the federation seeks a coach capable of guiding the team to future successes in continental and global competitions.